Fine Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A black lacquer chinoiserie secretary in two parts. The upper cabinet with two doors that open to
20th Century Chinoiserie Secretaires
Wood
Fine Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A black lacquer chinoiserie secretary in two parts. The upper cabinet with two doors that open to
Wood
$3,125
H 88 in W 42 in D 20 in
Midcentury French Style Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Secretary Desk / Cabinet
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a midcentury French style hand painted chinoiserie secretary with a unique bombe form base
Leather, Glass, Lacquer
$1,995
H 39.25 in W 24 in D 17.5 in
Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Secretary Desk by Maddox, Asian Motif, 1970s
By James Mont, Edward Wormley
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This incomparable slant-front chinoiserie black lacquer secretary desk depicts a serene
Brass
$2,350
H 88.38 in W 43 in D 21 in
Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Drop Front Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch
By Jasper Furniture Company
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Georgian Chinoiserie style bureau with drop front secretary desk and bookcase hutch top
Brass
$1,995
H 88.38 in W 43 in D 21 in
Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Drop Front Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch
By Jasper Furniture Company
Located in Elkhart, IN
A gorgeous Georgian Chinoiserie style bureau with drop front secretary desk and bookcase hutch top
Brass
$3,595
H 80.5 in W 35 in D 15.75 in
Georgian Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Hand-Painted Drop Front Secretary Desk
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Georgian Hollywood Regency Chinoiserie style bureau with drop front secretary desk
Brass
$16,500
H 102 in W 45 in D 23 in
George II Style Black & Gold Lacquer Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Bookcase
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
George II Style Black & Gold Lacquer Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Bookcase.
Wood, Giltwood, Lacquer
$14,950
H 98.5 in W 36.5 in D 21.5 in
Queen Anne Style Burton-Ching Black Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Bookcase
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Queen Anne Style Burton-Ching Black Chinoiserie Secretary Desk Bookcase
Wood, Lacquer
$16,500
H 86.5 in W 35.5 in D 18.5 in
English 19th Century Black and Gold Secretary Bookcase with Chinoiserie Décor
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English black lacquer secretary bookcase from the 19th century, with glass doors, drop-front
Glass, Wood
19th Century Chinoiserie Secretary (Secretaire Abbatant)
Located in New Orleans, LA
This striking black lacquered Chinoiserie secretaire abbatant (fall front secretary) is beautifully
Fruitwood, Lacquer
$28,000
H 93 in W 38 in D 23 in
A fine late 18th c to early 19th c William and Mary black Chinoiserie secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
A very fine late 18th century William and Mary black lacquered secretary. Fine Chinoiserie hand
Wood
Sold
H 27.75 in W 56 in D 15 in
Chinoiserie Motif Hand Painted Drexel Black Lacquer Console Table with Drawer
By James Mont, Henredon, Drexel
Located in Chattanooga, TN
pairing this piece with our Maddox black lacquer Chinoiserie secretary desk (sold separately). Drexel logo
Mahogany, Lacquer, Paint
French Lacquered Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Locust Valley, NY
French lacquered chinoiserie secretary with bronze mountings.
Lacquer
Black Lacquered Italian Chinoiserie Petite Secretary
By Fornasetti, Baker Furniture Company
Located in Houston, TX
A beautiful black lacquered Italian chinoiserie secretary. Intricately painted detail of Chinese
Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Breakfront Sideboard China Cabinet Secretary
By Union National
Located in West Hartford, CT
Elegant and sought after two piece chinoiserie black lacquered breakfront by Union National, NY
Glass, Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 86 in W 40 in D 22 in
Maitland Smith Black Lacquer & Hermes Orange Interior Chinoiserie Secretary Desk
By Maitland Smith
Located in West Hartford, CT
Maitland Smith 20th Century black lacquer two-piece secretary with coveted Hermes orange interior
Wood, Lacquer
Sold
H 80.5 in W 35 in D 15.75 in
Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Drop Front Secretary Desk With Bookcase Hutch
By Jasper Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Georgian Chinoiserie style bureau with drop front secretary desk and lighted bookcase
Brass
Sold
H 91 in W 40 in D 25 in
Baker Furniture Style Georgian Chinoiserie Black Lacquered Secretary Desk
By Baker Furniture Company
Located in South Bend, IN
An exceptional Georgian Chinoiserie style bureau with drop front secretary desk In the manner of
Brass
Black Laquered Asian Chinoiserie Secretary Secretaire Desk and Chair
Located in West Hartford, CT
Black and gold chinoiserie vintage Asian secretary desk that comes with matching chair. Spectacular
Wood, Lacquer
Fine and Rare 18th C Georgian Black Lacquered and Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine and rare 18th century Georgian black lacquered and Chinoiserie decorated elaborate secretary.
Wood
19th Century English Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
Fantastic 19th century English black lacquered chinoiserie five-drawer secretary. Having wonderful
Rose Tarlow Queen Anne Chinoiserie Secretary
By Rose Tarlow
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rose Tarlow Melrose House Queen Anne Chinoiserie Secretary. A stunning, hand made, hand painted
Lacquer
Chinese Hand Painted/Black Lacquered and Brass Secretary Desk
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Lacquered and Brass Secretary Desk. Featuring intricate hand-painted scenes on a rich black lacquer finish
Brass
Sold
H 109 in W 50 in D 29 in
Rose Tarlow Melrose House Queen Anne Black & Red Chinoiserie Secretary Desk
By Rose Tarlow
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Rose Tarlow Melrose House Queen Anne Black & Red Chinoiserie Secretary Desk. It features the most
Giltwood, Lacquer
Fine 18th Century English Chinoiserie Decorated Secretary
Located in Dallas, TX
A fine late 18th century English George 11 black lacquered and Chinoiserie decorated secretary. Red
Wood
Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Secretary Bookcase
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Distinctive secretary bookcase made in the Chinese taste featuring a decorative gilt faux bamboo
Brass
Chinoiserie Carved Black Lacquer Secretary Desk
Located in Stamford, CT
Chinoiserie carved black lacquer secretary desk having a black lacquer and gilt slant top and
Wood
Sold
H 39.25 in W 24 in D 17.5 in
Black Lacquer Hand Painted Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Secretary Writing Desk
By James Mont, Edward Wormley
Located in Chattanooga, TN
This incomparable slant-front chinoiserie black lacquer secretary desk depicts a serene
Brass
Sold
H 71.75 in W 24 in D 15.5 in
Chinoiserie Style Carved Black Lacquer Secretary Desk, Bookcase, Cabinet
Located in Plainview, NY
A beautiful Chinoiserie style carved black lacquer secretary desk having a black lacquer and gilt
Metal
English Georgian Black Lacquer with Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in San Francisco, CA
English Georgian black lacquer and chinoiserie decorated slant front secretary cabinet on bracket
Oak
Sold
H 77.5 in W 60 in D 16 in
Chinoiserie Breakfront China Hutch Drop Front Secretary Bookcase Black Lacquer
Located in Topeka, KS
Gorgeous vintage Chinoiserie breakfront China hutch cabinet or drop front secretary bookcase
Brass, Steel
Sold
H 40.5 in W 25.25 in D 21 in
Narrow Raised Lacquer Black Chinoiserie Slatfront Secretary Desk circa 1950
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
raised Chinoiserie scenery of various wise elders and townspeople doing their daily business. The desk is
Walnut
19th Century Black Lacquered Secretary with Raised Chinoiserie Design
Located in Dallas, TX
Lovely 19th century Italian black lacquered secretary. Beautifully done raised chinoiserie design
Wood
Sold
H 86 in W 33 in D 22 in
Asian Chinoiserie Black Lacquer and Gold Secretary Desk Hand Painted Secretaire
Located in West Hartford, CT
Stunning, one of a kind, vintage Asian black and gold lacquer chinoiserie secretary desk. What
Wood
Sold
H 97.5 in W 46 in D 27.5 in
Late 20th Century Vintage Asian Black Lacquered Gilt Chinoiserie Secretary Desk
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A spectacular vintage Asian secretary desk. A chic black lacquered cabinet with hand painted gilt
Metal
Black Lacquered Chinoiserie Secretary Form Cabinet
Located in Woodbury, CT
interior also decorated in the chinoiserie manner. The lower section, does not have a secretary drawer
Baker 21st Century Contemporary Black Lacquer Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Chicago, IL
Contemporary black lacquer chinoiserie Queen Anne style secretary by Baker has double doors, slant
Brass
Sold
H 81.75 in W 36.5 in L 81.75 in
Drexel Heritage Et Cetera Asian Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Secretary Desk
By Drexel
Located in Charlotte, NC
. Solid wood with black lacquer, hand painted Chinoiserie scene accents, double bonnet arched top, brass
Brass
George III Black Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Stamford, CT
Offered here is a true George III black lacquer chinoiserie three drawer secretary with bun feet
English Style Chinoiserie Secretary
Located in Fairhope, AL
Red, gold and black hand-painted chinoiserie lacquered secretary or bookcase with a fitted interior
Mid 20th Century Asian Chinoiserie Black Lacquer Secretary Desk
Located in Charlotte, NC
black lacquer & gold accents, hand painted Chinoiserie scenes, double bonnet arched top with crescent
Brass
Louis XVI Style Sofa
By La Maison London
Located in London, Park Royal
Louis XVI style canape made by La Maison London. Hand carved in solid wood, painted in an ecru white with gold highlights. Upholstered in a fabric of your choice Please note: 11m of...
Giltwood
$1,650 / item
H 16.1 in Dm 11.5 in
'Plissé White Edition' Pleated Textile Table Lamp by Folkform for Örsjö
By Örsjö Industri AB
Located in Glendale, CA
'Plissé White Edition' pleated textile table lamp by Folkform for Örsjö. This unique table lamp was awarded “Lighting of the Year 2022” by Residence Magazine Sweden, who called it “...
Textile
Rosso Wall Mirror
By Specchi Veneziani
Located in Milan, IT
Crafted in the finest Murano tradition, this exquisite Venetian mirror is a true work of art. Assembled with crystal and gold elements, and adorned with red glass flowers, each piece...
Glass
Pair of Modern Walnut Side Tables
By Theodore Alexander
Located in Westwood, NJ
A Pacific walnut side table, the square top with rounded corners and a reeded edge above a similar under tier, on bobbin turned legs. Dimensions: 26" W x 26" D x 28.5" H.
Wood
Great 18 Palmette Shallow Flush Ceiling Mount, Murano
By Barovier&Toso
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
Here the larger version of the successful 12 leaves compact palmette ceiling fixture. This group of shallow ceiling mount Murano chandelier was first designed for a luxury yacht low...
Metal
$3,243
H 71.07 in W 71.66 in D 1.19 in
FINE ANTIQUE ROOM DIVIDER TITLED IN CHINESE "MIDSUMMER PAiNTING OF XINWEI YEAR"
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning hand made Oriental black lacquered and hand painted Chinese full sized room divider titled in Chinese "Midsummer Painting of Xinwei Y...
Lacquer
$2,700
H 21.5 in W 17.5 in D 8.5 in
Japanese Marquetry Hanging or Table Cabinet, Meiji Period, c. 1900, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A large and remarkable Japanese lacquer and marquetry decorated table or hanging cabinet, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan. The cabinet of square form surmounted by an arched top wit...
Metal, Brass, Copper
Large Bamboo Pair of Table Lamps with Brass Bases
Located in New York, NY
large bamboo pair of table lamps with brass bases. Beautiful and chic table lamps. Lovely brass bases and bamboo tops held by brass top.
Brass
$3,990 / item
H 34 in W 31 in D 40 in
Custom Made to Order Belgian Linen Slip Cover Club Chair with Down Cushion
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
This White Linen Slip-Covered Lounge Chair fits as the perfect accent to any room. It's the perfect chair to have adjacent to a sofa, and can make every pillow look delightful in the...
Cotton, Linen, Wood, Down
$2,000 / item
H 8.5 in Dm 17.5 in
Vintage Inspired Handcrafted Fluted Farmhouse Porcelain Pendant Light
By DBO Home
Located in Sharon, CT
Classic, elegant, with a perfectly imperfect touch. We just love our new porcelain Parasol Fluted Pendants. Inspired by a vintage pie cover, we designed them to hang over our kitchen...
Brass
Pair of Murano Glass Wall Sconces, Art Deco Style, in Stock
Located in Miami, FL
Pair of Murano glass wall sconces, in stock Fume color and horizontal striation texture Black opaline finials and brass accents Art Deco inspired design. Gives off warm beams of lig...
Brass
$4,900 / item
H 34 in W 86 in D 42 in
Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"
By Bloom Home Inc
Located in Old Town Orange, CA
This beautiful english arm sofa has a modern twist, with its single bench cushion, and beautiful curved apron sides. It’s upholstered in a Linen Velvet Performance fabric. Shown in...
Linen, Velvet
$1,695
H 77 in W 33 in D 12.5 in
Mid-Century Pagoda Form Rattan / Bamboo And Grasscloth Cabinet / Etagere
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a rattan pagoda form rattan cabinet. It has two doors that open to shelving. The body is 26.5”L. This piece is unmarked and in very good condition.
Grasscloth, Rattan
Large Classical Italian Bronze Bird Fountain Statue
Located in Potters Bar, GB
Stunning large Italian bronze water fountain Classical look complemented by the gorgeous verdis gris patina Love the birds depicted drinking from the rim of the main bowl Classica...
Bronze
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
H 72 in W 64 in D 1 in
Italian Four Panel Flowers and Birds Room Divider/Screen
Located in Douglas Manor, NY
Italian four panel screen/room divider. Folder size 72x 16x 5"
Hardwood, Paint
$5,300
H 32.5 in W 85 in D 28 in
Antique 19th C. American Empire Flame Mahogany Claw Foot Parlor Sofa Couch 85"
Located in Dayton, OH
Fine American Empire parlor sofa / couch with classical form and masterful carvings. Made of flamed mahogany featuring carved back crest and flared rolled arms accented with carved f...
Mahogany, Burl
Your antique, new or vintage secretary desk has become the (chic) saving grace of the "new normal" at home.
Simply put, a secretary desk is a multifunctional piece of furniture with a hinged writing surface that folds open or drops down. When the leaf is folded out, small inner storage compartments — pigeonholes, cubbies, recesses or drawers — are revealed.
Traditionally, a secretary is composed of two parts — a chest of drawers on the bottom and a cabinet with shelves on the top. Taking its name from the French word for the piece, secrétaire, the secretary desk dates back to the 18th century, when Paris-based cabinetmaker Jean-François Oeben, known for his exquisite marquetry and clever mechanical desks, is thought to have invented the secrétaire à abbattant, or drop-leaf desk.
While the defining drop-down feature of the secretary desk has remained constant, the materials used, as well as its configuration, size and style have evolved over time.
At first, secretaries were typically made from exotic woods, like rosewood, tulipwood and kingwood; later, hardwoods like cherry, maple, oak and mahogany were more common. The desks also became lighter, with space carved out of the lower half for the writer’s feet or with drawers replaced by legs — making them more table-like.
When open, the secretary is a dynamic, versatile Wunderkammer. When closed, it’s a sophisticated, space-saving piece of furniture.
“A fine secretary with a good provenance adds stature and credence to its owner — it is a cornerstone piece,” says antiques dealer Stanley Weiss, who specializes in 18th- and 19th-century English and American furniture. “In this disposable world, fine furniture is always passed on and speaks to who its owner is.”
No matter what style or period you choose, and no matter how you decide to use it, the timeless, flexible secretary desk is bound to become an indispensable part of your daily routine.
Browse a range of antique and vintage secretary desks on 1stDibs, including mid-century modern secretaires, Georgian secretaires and others.
Simple or sophisticated, equipped with console, cart or custom cabinetry, these stylish bar areas deserve a toast.
Whether you’re just moving in or ready to give your home a makeover, our guide will give you pointers on tables that are fitting for every room, nook and hallway.
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In the hands of New York Heartwoods cofounder Megan Offner, unwanted local trees become works of design art.
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